Three thousand ‘angels’ join Facebook group to stop people falling from South Shields cliffs

Verity Ward

A Facebook group has attracted 3,000 ‘angels’ who want to stop people falling from cliffs in South Tyneside.

Scores of people have joined Cliff Angles South Shields following Chirelle Calder’s death on the cliffs at Marsden on August 13.

Chirelle Calder. Picture supplied by family.

Kirk Wilson, from Holder House, South Shields, launched the group after seeing emergency services along the coastline battling to save the 17-year-old.

The father-of-two hopes to be able to place a cabin on the Leas in South Shields, which will offer help and advice for people who need it.

Within a week his online group has flourished and has now turned into an online community offering support.

Mr Wilson said: “The number of messages I’ve had on the page and received via my inbox from people who need help has blown me away.

The amount of messages has blown me away.

Kirk Wilson

“So many people are living in a bad place and just want to talk and get better.”

Mr Wilson is waiting to hear back from South Tyneside Council to see if his plans can go-ahead.

But if they’re not allowed he has a back up plan to create a special cafe.

He said: “Some of the messages have been so sad. If the cabin doesn’t get go ahead then the Cliff Angel Cafe will be the next best thing as we will offer drinks and cakes and have trained staff on site to offer support.